Key Battles

Phil Jagielka v Dieumerci Mbokani

Although he’s a proud Englishman, Everton FC captain Phil Jagielka always acknowledges his Polish roots and he’d love to lead the club to their first piece of silverware in 20 years in the land of his fathers.

Back in 2012 when Jagielka was selected in the England squad that went to the European Championship finals in Poland and Ukraine, he said: “I could have played for Poland but I don’t see myself as Polish. I was born in England. I speak with an English accent.

“Thankfully I got to play for England. Maybe if I’d been nowhere near the team I might have done, but I don’t know if I’d have felt comfortable joining up with the squad.

“I’d have been a bit of a loner, I don’t speak the language or know about the culture.

“My grandparents moved over in about 1948, via Africa, and settled in Weaverham. My grandad died just before I was born, hence the middle name (Nikodem).

“My grandma, my babcha, lives in Weaverham, Cheshire now. My dad lives there too. She’ll be happy to see me go back to Poland. My dad speaks Polish but I can only manage the odd hello and goodbye. I’m not telling the lads that because I don’t want to get stitched up.”

The skipper led by example at Goodison in the first leg when he produced a dominant performance but he’s going to have to be at his best again in Kiev tonight against Dieumerci Mbokani.

The muscular DR Congo striker is always a handful and back on home turf he’ll be champing at the bit. He’s already scored against Everton in the past for Standard Liege in the 2-2 UEFA Cup draw at Goodison in 2008.

Ross Barkley, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka train at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine,ahead of the game against Dynamo Kiev

Leighton Baines v Oleg Gusev

Veteran campaigner Oleg Gusev is one of the great stalwarts of the Ukrainian game with 94 caps for his country but the 31-year-old showed he’s still quick off the mark by catching Ross Barkley off guard and nipping in to score at the near post from a corner kick in the first leg.

Although Dynamo eventually succumbed to defeat, it remains to be seen whether his effort proves to be a crucial away goal for his side.

With Gusev operating on the right hand side of midfield, he’ll be directly up against whoever plays at left-back for the Blues.

Leighton Baines was missing through injury for the first leg with Luke Garbutt deputising but having returned to the side against Newcastle on Sunday, the England international will be tasked with snuffing out the threat down that side while also offering an outlet going forward.

Oleksandr Shovkovskiy v the sands of time

The Dynamo keeper and captain may be one of the most experienced campaigners in European football having played in the club’s first team for 22 seasons but he looked like his best years were behind him at Goodison, especially when he ‘rushed’ out of goal.

Shovkovskiy looked like a liability when he left his penalty area and enjoyed several let-offs, including when Romelu Lukaku shot wide with a long range effort with an empty goal gaping.

Chances could be at a premium for the Blues in the cauldron of the Olympic Stadium but if at all possible they need to try and expose the veteran custodian as the weak link that he appears to be.

The 40-year-old won 92 caps for Ukraine but if the first leg is anything to go by he appears to be living off his past reputation and should be tested whenever possible.